Brevard County Manufacturing Champions Awarded

The Manufacturing Association of Florida’s Space Coast honors state legislatures

Brevard County, FL (June 9, 2016) – On June 8, the Regional Manufacturing Association of Florida’s Space Coast (MASC) presented House Speaker Steve Crisafulli, Senator Thad Altman, Representative Tom Goodson, and Representative Ritch Workman with the 2016 Manufacturing Champion Award for supporting manufacturing driven initiatives in the Florida Legislature. The awards were presented during MASC’s Quarterly Update meeting held at MACK Technologies.

MASC is an initiative of the longstanding Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast (EDC) Industry Council, building on the council’s 15-year legacy as the regional core for manufacturing. It has been developed to serve as the succinct voice for Brevard County’s robust and diverse manufacturing base through action oriented efforts to:

– Promote regional manufacturing companies, products and careers
– Advocate for critical issues impacting the manufacturing sector
– Connect manufacturers to resources and opportunities
– Educate manufacturers, their incumbent workers and the talent of the future

“The EDC Industry Council, which advises MASC, ensures open communication with our legislators to help them understand the manufacturing industry and its needs,” stated Mike Ennis, Chair, EDC Industry Council and Manufacturing Engineer at Harris Government Communications Systems. “It was an honor to have the privilege of awarding the MASC Manufacturing Champion Award to leaders who understand the focus of MASC; to Promote, Advocate, Connect and Educate.”

During a presentation at the quarterly meeting, Lynda Weatherman, president and CEO of the EDC of Florida’s Space Coast commented, “Over the years, manufacturing has remained a constant to our economy. Today, companies with a diverse need for talent are adding to this foundation, relying on our community as a resource.” Weatherman continued, “The EDC Manufacturing Talent Asset Pipeline (TAP) program is an important resource aimed to meet the needs locally. I would like to thank our state officials who also dedicate their time to support manufacturers.”

“We are honored to host this event. Through MASC we are able to address issues that impact our industry and build relationships with our peers in the process.” Stated Al Acuna, Site General Manager for MACK Technologies.

Each recipient was presented with a custom award created by MASC Advisory Board Members Ken Brace of Rapid Prototyping and Craig Day of DRB Packaging.

Senate President Andy Gardiner was also honored for his support, but was unable to attend the event.

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About the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast
The Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast (EDC) is dedicated to attracting new business and investment and expanding existing industry throughout the Space Coast, influencing change on government laws and regulations affecting economic development, promoting the Space Coast to encourage new investment, supporting efforts of Space Coast military installations, and relaying new programs and procedures to assist manufacturing and high tech companies. The EDC is a private, not-for-profit coalition whose stakeholders are business leaders committed to the economic growth and stability of Florida’s Space Coast. Visit www.SpaceCoastEDC.org.